1 style, 3 ways: How to wear winter pastel pants

Think pastels are synonymous with spring? Try thinking of them as perennials, instead. You’ll be delighted by how well they can thrive in a winter habitat—breaking up the grays that tend to be native to your closet this time of year.

We love pale pinks, powder blues and lemon chiffon yellows in winter because not only are they a bit unexpected, but they also pair beautifully with some of the season’s typical staples—like those cozy gray knits or metallic accessories.

We’re playing dress up with a pair of Peter Pilotto geo-print pants, $795 from Nordstrom. Before you shudder at the price, there are plenty of adorable alternatives to these designer high-rise pants that are less than $50, including these Jolt mid-rise jeans in pastel pink or blue, $44 at Nordstrom, or some Pixie chinos, $34.94 at Old Navy, in a soft pink.

Here are three ways to wear pastel pants in the winter:

Preppy in prints

For those days that feel a little bit closer to spring than they do winter, throw on a pair of cropped pastel pants with your favorite white T-shirt and a lived-in denim jacket that comes in a soft wash. For a go-to, wear-with-almost-everything jacket, we love the broken-in jean jacket in Gregson wash, $150 at J. Crew. Juxtapose a pretty drop earring, like these crystal and stone row earrings in sheer pink, $29.50 at J.Crew, with a baseball cap or a knit beanie for a fun weekend look that is a little preppy and a lot pretty.

Shine on in metallics

Soft pastel hues and shiny metallics make a gorgeous couple. Since it’s not quite sandal season, have fun with a shiny loafer instead. The Jack Rogers “Gabrielle” flat, $147.95 from Nordstrom, and the metallic penny loafers, $238 from J. Crew, are both shiny twists on classic menswear styles and would look great with a pair of cropped pastel pants. Pair with your go-to cream or gray sweater for an instant-outfit.

Polish it off with a brooch

A crisp, well-fitted oxford tucked into a cropped pair of pants is a work-ready outfit that always feels fresh. Take it up a notch by pinning a brooch, like this Nina “Treasure Floral” piece, $65 at Nordstrom, near the top button. Find women’s oxford shirts in blue, white and light pink for just $20 each at Old Navy.